Page 58 - DP Vol 20 No 3

cosmetic dentistry section

VITABLOCS TrILuxe fOrTe: An effeCTIVe

ChOICe fOr funCTIOnAL And eSTheTIC

reSTOrATIOnS

Julio Gomez Paris

Before the advent of the digital workflow in laboratories and clinical
practice, the functional and esthetic rehabilitation of dentition
damaged by abrasion with a collapsed bite was a massive undertaking.
A separate individual restoration had to be fabricated manually
for each tooth, which automatically became time-consuming and
expensive. Total reconstruction of this kind can be a lengthy process;
great care must be taken during the initial diagnosis and, any occlusal
interference must be identified. If habitual occlusion deviates from
centric occlusion, nothing should be rushed. Instead, a balanced
occlusal situation should first be restored using splint therapy, then
combined with physiotherapy if necessary, and then restored centrally.

PrOVen And CLeVer Fig 1: The esthetic zone, damaged as a result of abrasion and erosion
On the material side at least, the digital workflow now enables in the upper jaw.
quick restoration of abraded dentition following diagnosis and pre-
treatment. Even as a blank, esthetic materials such as the fine-structure
feldspar ceramic VITABLOCS TriLuxe forte, offer an appearance that
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is similar to the natural dentition, as well as a lifelike shade gradient. 2
As a result, just a simple polish is all that’s needed to create vibrant
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restorations – no firing required. Precise fabrication and a reliable
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adhesive bond ensure predictable results. Additionally, the material
has been around for decades - the first generation of VITABLOCS was
successfully integrated in 1986 and is considered the gold standard in
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many scientific studies.
CLInICAL SuCCeSS STOry
Clinical studies impressively document that the material is also
successful intraorally for extended periods. After 27 years, inlays and
onlays fabricated using the fine-structure feldspar ceramic showed
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a survival rate of 87.5 %. After 12 years, the survival rate of crowns Fig 2: A functional esthetic mock-up simulated the target situation.
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was 95%. The clinical survival rate after nine years for veneers was
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94%. In other words, all restoration types for total reconstruction
demonstrated clinical stability over a long period. A crucial advantage
in this respect for total reconstruction is the abrasion of VITABLOCS The anterior region was characterized by fractures and considerable
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TriLuxe forte that is similar to that of natural enamel. It also loss of length. In addition, the patient complained of exposed
facilitates balanced occlusal wear over the long-term clinical course, cervical areas. The patient wanted reconstruction of the hard tooth
which ensures that occlusal interference is prevented, particularly in substance that had been lost and long-term occlusal stabilization. As
the case of natural antagonists. she had requested a fast and cost-effective solution that would meet
her esthetic wishes, a decision was taken to carry out bite elevation
CASe STudy and total reconstruction using the multichromatic fine-structure
A 72-year-old patient came to the practice because she was dissatisfied feldspar ceramic VITABLOCS TriLuxe forte. Old portrait pictures of
with the appearance of her teeth. During the initial examination, the patient helped us to first simulate and discuss the desired result
significant generalized abrasive and erosive processes were evident. virtually on the computer.

56 Dental Practice I May-June 2024 I Vol 20 No 3